Sierra Leone’s Ambassador of Entertainment, Amara Dennis Turay, popularly known as Kao Denero, has issued a public statement addressing the arrest and continued detention of female entertainer Zainab Sheriff, appealing for her constitutional rights to be upheld while condemning any speech that could threaten national peace.

Sheriff was arrested on Saturday, January 31, 2026, in connection with an alleged inciting statement she reportedly made at the Atouga Mini Stadium in Freetown. According to the statement from the Ambassador’s office, she has been denied bail on two occasions, with the matter now adjourned to March 4, 2026.

In his capacity as Ambassador of Entertainment and Special Investment Envoy, Kao Denero struck a careful balance in his response, emphasizing both the gravity of the allegations and the need for due process.

“We absolutely condemn any form of expression, by any individual, regardless of status or profession, that has the potential to incite unrest, promote division, or undermine the hard-earned peace of our beloved nation,” the statement read.

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The Ambassador invoked Sierra Leone’s painful history of civil conflict as a “solemn reminder of the value of unity, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence,” urging all citizens to act in ways that preserve the nation’s legacy of resilience and peace.

However, Kao Denero also stressed that Sheriff, as a member of the entertainment industry, is entitled to full constitutional protections. “While we do not condone any statement capable of threatening public harmony, we respectfully appeal to the appropriate authorities to ensure that she is accorded her full constitutional rights and treated fairly under the laws of Sierra Leone,” he stated.

The Ambassador specifically requested that judicial authorities “consider granting bail, where legally permissible, and allow due process to take its course in accordance with established legal standards.”

The statement concluded with a broader call for responsibility within the creative community, urging entertainers and public figures to “exercise prudence and responsibility in their public engagements, mindful of the influence they wield and the impact their words can have on society.”

“Sierra Leone’s peace is our collective responsibility,” Kao Denero added. “Let us continue to guard it with wisdom, discipline, and compassion.”